Veuve Clicquot Opens 2026 Bold Woman Award Entries
Veuve Clicquot Opens 2026 Bold Woman Award Entries. Entries for the 2026 edition of the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award have officially opened, marking the fifth year the global programme is being hosted in South Africa. The initiative, which recognises female founders and CEOs, will accept applications from 2 March until 12 April 2026.
The local awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg on 15 July, where winners across two categories will be announced. The programme forms part of a broader international effort by Veuve Clicquot, established in 1972, to highlight the achievements of women in business.
The South African edition includes two categories. The Bold Woman Award is aimed at established leaders who have led businesses for more than five years and demonstrated sustained growth. The Bold Future Award focuses on early-stage entrepreneurs who have been operating for less than five years and can show measurable impact and contribution to their markets.
Over the past five years, the local programme has recognised entrepreneurs working across a range of sectors, including tourism, legal services, agriculture, and energy. Previous winners include Gugu Sithole, Claire Blanckenberg, and Morongwe Mokone, alongside emerging business leaders such as Zama Ngcobo and Refilwe Sebothoma.
According to the organisers, the initiative is designed not only to recognise achievement but also to strengthen the visibility of women-led businesses in South Africa. It also aims to foster connections between entrepreneurs through a growing network of past participants and finalists.
Applicants will be assessed by an independent jury, which will shortlist three finalists in each category ahead of the July event. Final winners will be selected from these shortlisted candidates.
Beyond the awards themselves, the programme offers participants access to a broader global network. Selected winners are invited to take part in an immersion programme in Reims, France, providing exposure to international markets and opportunities for mentorship.
The organisers have positioned the programme as a platform that extends beyond recognition, offering continued engagement through networking and knowledge exchange.
The competition is open to South African residents whose businesses are based in the country or operate locally. With entries now open, the 2026 edition is expected to continue building on the programme’s presence in the local entrepreneurial landscape.
